In short
Hochschule Bochum is a public university of applied sciences in Germany offering practice-oriented programs, particularly in engineering and technology. It is known for low tuition fees, a vibrant student life in the Ruhr region, and expanding English-taught master's programs.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1972
- Students
- 8,000
- International students
- 600
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–3k/yr
- Languages
- DE
- Location
- Bochum, Germany
Hochschule Bochum (HS Bochum) is a public university of applied sciences founded in 1972, located in Bochum in Germany's Ruhr metropolitan region. It offers practice-oriented programmes in engineering, architecture, geoinformatics, business, and social work. The university is expanding its international offerings with English-taught master's programmes in emerging technology fields.
Why study here
- Very low or no tuition fees for EU students; modest semester contributions for all.
- Strong engineering and technology programmes with direct industry relevance.
- New English-taught Master's in Mechatronics covering autonomous robotics and automated driving.
- Located in the Ruhr region, Europe's largest urban agglomeration, with thousands of industry partners nearby.
- Affordable cost of living and excellent transport links across western Germany.
Student life
HS Bochum offers a supportive campus environment with central study counselling, career services, and academic events like Architecture Summer Talks. The university celebrates student achievements and fosters a culture of practical innovation. Bochum itself has a lively cultural scene including theatres, music venues, and the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum. The student services organisation (AStA) organises social events throughout the year.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU international students pay a semester contribution of approximately EUR 750 plus a social fee of roughly EUR 300, totalling around EUR 1,500–3,000 per year — among the lowest in Germany.
HomeEU/German students pay only a semester social contribution of approximately EUR 300–400 per semester; no tuition fees.
LivingMonthly living costs in Bochum average EUR 700–950 including rent, food, and transport.
North Rhine-Westphalia public universities do not charge tuition fees for regular study programmes. Fees shown reflect semester contributions.
Admissions
German entry qualificationAbitur, Fachhochschulreife, or an equivalent international qualification
International applicantsApply via uni-assist for credential assessment; may require a preparatory Studienkolleg year
English-taught programmesProof of English proficiency required (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
IELTS Academic6.0
TOEFL iBT80
University scholarships
Deutschland-StipendiumEUR 300/month (12 months, merit and need-based)
DAAD ScholarshipsVarious amounts for international students (German Academic Exchange Service)
Accreditation
HS Bochum is a state-recognised public university of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Programmes are accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and degrees are valid throughout the EU.
For international students
GermanyStudent visa & funds
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Working while you study
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After you graduate
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
- German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2
Main intakes
OctoberApril
Typical living cost
€1,050/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionScholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)
CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich School for Data Science (MUDS)
Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
Open to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz University Hannover
Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
14d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum Julich
Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions
Open to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander von Humboldt Foundation
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)
For researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Hochschule Bochum?
+
Non-EU international students pay a semester contribution and a social fee, totalling approximately EUR 1,500–3,000 per year. Public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia do not charge tuition fees for regular study programmes.
What are the living costs in Bochum?
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Monthly living costs in Bochum average between EUR 700–950, which covers rent, food, and transportation. This is considered affordable, especially within Germany.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
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For English-taught programmes, proof of English proficiency is required, typically an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80.
What academic qualifications are needed for international applicants?
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International applicants need a German entry qualification equivalent to the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. Some may require a preparatory Studienkolleg year, and applications are often processed via uni-assist.
Does Hochschule Bochum offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the Deutschland-Stipendium, which provides EUR 300 per month, or various scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
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